Factbox: California, New York and Illinois ‘stay at home’ orders – What’s allowed?

Mar 20, 2020

(Reuters) – Three U.S. states – California, New York and Illinois – have issued similar statewide “stay at home” orders directing more than 72 million residents to remain in their homes for the foreseeable future due to the coronavirus pandemic. New Jersey and Connecticut are expected to follow suit.

Here is a look at what is allowed – and what is not – under the most sweeping government clampdown yet in the worsening public health crisis.

WHAT DOES ‘STAY AT HOME’ MEAN?

Residents have been ordered to remain in their homes and not go to work unless they are in an “essential business.” Residents are allowed to visit essential stores and take walks.

Exceptions to the stay-at-home rule would be granted for residents to make trips to grocery stores, pharmacies, doctors and laundromats.

The orders also allow people to leave their homes to take hikes, jog, ride bikes or skateboards and walk their dogs.

HOW WILL IT BE ENFORCED?

– In California, violations can be treated as misdemeanors punishable by fines and imprisonment. But a Los Angeles County sheriff’s official said on Twitter the department did not plan on making arrests to enforce the order. California’s governor said he hoped it would mostly be enforced by “social pressure.”

– The New York state order would be enforced with civil fines and mandatory closures for any businesses not in compliance.

– The governor of Illinois said he has instructed law enforcement officers to monitor the orders but did not give details.

(Compiled by Bill Tarrant; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Will Dunham)